Ethiopia
 |
The only country in Africa never to have been colonized, and among the oldest continuous nations in the world, Ethiopia sits landlocked in the horn of Africa. Despite what many believe to be a barren wasteland of deserts, Abyssinia, which it has been called historically, is full of lush green rolling hills, mountains, lakes, and waterfalls. It is no wonder a place such as this produces a people so lovely.
Also, we have Ethiopia to thank for the much-desired coffee bean, which originated in this beautiful land. Whether in a tribal hut or a government building, one will always be gladly offered a fresh cup over a warm and lively conversation.
Issues Facing Children
In 2005, Ethiopia had an estimated 4,414,000 orphans and 1,563,000 of these were AIDS orphans. The estimated number of children living in the streets of Addis Ababa alone is currently 60,000 – 100,000. These street children sleep on the dangerous city streets and the city’s garbage containers are often where these little ones find food.
- 43% of children (5 to 14 years) are involved in child labor.
- 74% of women (15 to 49 years) have undergone some form of female genital mutilation/cutting.
- Malnutrition is responsible for more than half of all deaths among children under age five.
- The HIV/AIDS prevalence rate is 4.4 per cent, Approximately 1.5 million people are living with HIV, some 120,000 of them children.
